Snap-on pin header

Abstract

A pin header assembly is disclosed for snap-on mounting in a printed circuit board to provide a shrouded protection for a pin array extending from either or both sides of the board. The header not only provides a protective shroud for the pins but can be profiled to perform a polarizing and retention function as well as have stand-offs to allow for wire wrap of portions of the pins immediately adjacent one side of the board and yet provide full protection for the free ends of the pins.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A snap-on header assembly comprising: first and second header members each having a substantially rectangular profile defining a connector receiving cavity therein,   a base of each said cavity having a plurality of pin apertures therein aligned to receive a like plurality of pins therethrough, and   mounting leg means at each end of said members, the mounting leg means of said first connector member each being defined by a pair of spaced, integral, depending leg portions having an outer arcuate profile and an inner axial bore therebetween, and an outwardly directed arcuate shoulder on the free end of each of said leg portions; and   the mounting leg means of said second member each being defined by a pair of leg portions together having an outer cylindrical profile with a slot between said leg portions and outwardly directed shoulders on the free ends thereof, said leg means of said second member being dimensioned to be received through said bores of said first leg means with the shoulders engaging on the far side thereof.   
     
     
       2. The snap-on pin header assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said cavities is profiled to provide polarized interconnection with a mating connector member. 
     
     
       3. The snap-on pin header assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said cavities includes an aperture in a sidewall adapted to receive therein a retention lug of a mating connector member. 
     
     
       4. A snap-on pin header for protecting an array of pins fixedly mounted in a printed circuit board or the like, said header comprising: a header member of rigid insulation material having an elongated outer profile defining a profiled connector receiving cavity therein, a base of said cavity having a plurality of pin apertures therein aligned to receive a like plurality of pins therethrough, and integral mounting leg means depending from said member,   each said mounting leg means being defined by a bifurcated extension having resilient latching portions on the free ends for receipt in apertures in the circuit board and a longitudinally extending socket adapted to receive a mounting leg of another similar header mounted from the other side of said circuit board,   whereby said header member is mounted on a printed circuit board by engagement of said leg means in respective apertures in said board with the pins of the array received through said apertures and extending into said cavity to be protected by said header.   
     
     
       5. A snap-on pin header according to claim 4 further comprising: a second header member of rigid insulation material having an elongated outer profile defining a profiled connector receiving cavity therein, a base of said cavity having a plurality of pin apertures therein aligned to receive a like plurality of pins therethrough, and mounting leg means at each end of said member,   said mounting leg means each being defined by a bifurcated extension having resilient latching portions on the free ends adapted to be received in said longitudinal sockets of the leg portions of said first header,   whereby said second header member is mounted on a printed circuit board on the side opposite the first header member by said second leg means being received through the sockets of said first leg means.   
     
     
       6. A snap-on pin header according to claim 5 wherein each said profiled cavity includes polarizing projections and recesses. 
     
     
       7. A snap-on header according to claim 5 wherein each said header includes apertures adapted to receive therein retention lugs of mating connector members. 
     
     
       8. A snap-on pin header according to claim 5 wherein said second header member is held spaced from said second side of the printed circuit board by said first leg means.